Lavender plants, with their vibrant purple blooms and silvery leaves, are a stunning sight in summer. However, as they age, they can become woody, leggy, and less appealing. This can happen due to several factors, including poor drainage, improper watering, extreme weather conditions, or incorrect pruning.
A lavender expert from TikTok, run by a family in Pennsylvania, shared tips on how to maintain lavender plants’ beauty year after year and prevent them from turning into a “woody mess.”
The gardening pros explained that while lavender plants tend to look great during their first few years, it’s common for them to become “woody and overgrown” later. To avoid this, they recommend following five essential steps:
1. Prune Lavender Buds in the First Year
When you see lavender buds forming in the first year, it’s important to prune them right away. While it may be difficult to cut off those beautiful blooms, doing so will allow the plant to focus its energy on growing strong roots rather than flowers.
2. Prune Aggressively at the End of the Season
The expert emphasized the importance of giving lavender plants a heavy prune at the end of the growing season, before frost sets in. They recommend pruning in late summer, around August or early September.
“You want to cut the plant back aggressively, about three to four inches above the woody center,” they advised. “Shape the plant into a dome, and leave it like that until spring.”
3. Remove Dead Sections in Spring
In the spring, you may notice dead areas in your lavender plants. Trim these sections to improve airflow and promote healthy growth. If done correctly, new buds should appear in the plant’s second year.
4. Cut Off Flowers After Blooming
Lavender flowers bloom beautifully in summer, but keeping them on the plant for too long can cause stress. The expert suggests trimming the flowers towards the end of summer to help the plant conserve energy and strengthen its roots.
5. Prune Again Before Winter
As the year comes to a close, give your lavender one final prune to prepare it for the cold months ahead. This ensures the plant stays healthy and continues to thrive in the following season.
By following these five simple steps, you can keep your lavender plants looking their best for many years to come.